Head of US Litigation and Investigations

Job title: Head of US Litigation and Investigations

Location: Morristown, NJ / Cambridge, MA

About the job

Ready to push the limits of what’s possible? Join Sanofi in one of our corporate functions and you can play a vital part in the performance of our entire business while helping to make an impact on millions around the world.  

Position Summary:

Reporting to the North America General Counsel and Head of Legal, Global Specialty Care, the Head of U.S. Litigation & Investigations is responsible for leading and overseeing all aspects of litigation and investigations across Sanofi’s U.S. operations.

This role provides strategic direction, leadership, and oversight for a broad portfolio of matters, including government investigations, internal investigations, regulatory and administrative proceedings, and complex civil litigation. The position is accountable for ensuring effective and efficient management of litigation and investigations, with an emphasis on achieving favorable outcomes while managing risk and controlling costs.

The individual in this role must possess deep knowledge of the healthcare and pharmaceutical industries and demonstrate the ability to work collaboratively across Legal and diverse functional and operational areas and translate complex litigation matters to non-legal audiences.

This role requires the ability to analyze complex situations, develop and communicate clear strategies, and drive execution. This role also requires significant focus on driving simplification and efficiencies in litigation matter and budget management via digital and AI solutions. The Head of U.S. Litigation & Investigations will serve as a trusted advisor to senior management on significant legal risks and will help shape enterprise-wide approaches to litigation and investigations. 

About Sanofi

We’re an R&D-driven, AI-powered biopharma company committed to improving people’s lives and delivering compelling growth. Our deep understanding of the immune system – and innovative pipeline – enables us to invent medicines and vaccines that treat and protect millions of people around the world. Together, we chase the miracles of science to improve people’s lives. 

Main Responsibilities:

Leadership and Strategic Oversight

• Lead the U.S. Litigation & Investigations function, setting strategy and priorities aligned with company objectives and risk tolerance, including outlining strategies for accelerating utilization of AI and digital technologies to streamline operations and budget management.

• Provide strategic advice to senior leadership on significant litigation and investigation matters, including risk assessment and mitigation strategies.

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory environment and proactively apply that knowledge to company matters.

Matter Management

• Oversee a diverse and complex caseload covering the full spectrum of US litigation and investigations across the company

• Ensure consistent, high-quality management of matters, including development of action plans, communication of issues and risks, and execution of strategy.

• Advise management of significant developments and recommend appropriate courses of action.

Internal Investigations

• Oversee the conduct and documentation of internal investigations relating to potential violations of company policies, SOPs, or applicable law.

• Ensure investigations are conducted in a manner that preserves privilege and aligns with company compliance expectations.

• Partner closely with EBI/Compliance, People & Culture, and other relevant functions.

Outside Counsel Management

• Select, retain, and manage outside counsel.

• Establish case strategy in collaboration with outside counsel and internal stakeholders.

• Monitor performance and ensure high-quality, efficient delivery of legal services.

Budget and Financial Oversight

• Lead and manage the U.S. litigation and investigations budget.

• Oversee forecasting, accruals, and cost management.

• Drive disciplined management of outside counsel spend and identify opportunities for efficiency.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Lead and participate in cross-functional teams throughout the Company.

• Provide direction to employees in other functional areas where there is no direct reporting relationship.

• Work effectively with colleagues across Legal, Compliance, Regulatory, Medical, Commercial, Finance, and other functions.

Risk Management and Governance

• Identify trends and systemic risks across litigation and investigations matters.

• Develop and implement strategies to mitigate risk and improve processes.

• Support the development of policies, procedures, and training initiatives as appropriate.

Sanofi Values and Compliance:

• Demonstrate Sanofi’s values and commitment to compliance on a consistent basis.

• Promote a culture of integrity, accountability, and ethical conduct.

• Perform other duties as requested.

Management Responsibility:

• This position has overall responsibility for the U.S. Litigation & Investigations team, including direct management of attorneys and other legal professionals.

• Responsible for developing talent, managing performance, and fostering a collaborative, future-fit, high-performing team environment.

• Leads and participates in cross-functional teams across the Company.

• Accountable for the performance and management of outside counsel.

• This position has full budgetary responsibility for litigation and investigations spend.

About You

Education:

• J.D. degree from an accredited law school

• Admission to at least one State Bar

Experience:

• 15+ years of litigation and/or government investigation experience in a law firm, government, or in-house legal department

• Significant healthcare and/or pharmaceutical industry experience, including overseeing litigation on areas encompassing product liability and false-claims act (and state equivalents)

• Extensive experience with complex litigation and government investigations

• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and large, complex legal portfolios

• Experience managing outside counsel and legal spend

• Strong academic credentials

Professional Skills:

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

• Ability to work independently and exercise seasoned and sound judgment

• Excellent communication and writing skills

• Ability to analyze complex situations and develop and implement effective strategies

• Extensive knowledge of laws and regulations affecting the pharmaceutical/healthcare industry

• Maintains the highest standards of ethics and integrity and respects confidentiality of sensitive matters

• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams

• Ability to handle multiple responsibilities simultaneously while meeting high standards of quality and timeliness

• Courage to deliver factually accurate assessments and recommendations

• Ability to identify risks and develop practical, innovative solutions

• Ability to operate effectively under pressure and manage urgent, high-stakes matters

• Ability to build trust and credibility across the organization

• Demonstrated ability to develop modernization and digital/AI strategies to streamline efficiency and drive effectiveness of legal teams

Why Choose Us?  

• Bring the miracles of science to life alongside a supportive, future-focused team. 

• Discover endless opportunities to grow your talent and drive your career, whether it’s through a promotion or lateral move, at home or internationally. 

• Enjoy a thoughtful, well-crafted rewards package that recognizes your contribution and amplifies your impact. 

• Take good care of yourself and your family, with a wide range of health and wellbeing benefits including high-quality healthcare, prevention and wellness programs and at least 14 weeks’ gender-neutral parental leave.

Sanofi US Services and its U.S. affiliates are Equal Opportunity employers committed to a culturally inclusive workforce. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; creed; religion; national origin; age; ancestry; nationality; marital, domestic partnership or civil union status; sex, gender, gender identity or expression; affectional or sexual orientation; disability; veteran or military status or liability for military status; domestic violence victim status; atypical cellular or blood trait; genetic information (including the refusal to submit to genetic testing) or any other characteristic protected by law. 

#GD-SA ​ 
#LI-SA 

#LI-Onsite

#vhd

All compensation will be determined commensurate with demonstrated experience. Employees may be eligible to participate in Company employee benefit programs, and additional benefits information can be found here.